During a well-deserved seaside getaway, there are few more enjoyable experiences than making the most of low tide by discovering ground that was previously under seawater. From finding crabs, barnacles, and even rare shells, seeing what lies on the seabed close to the shore is always intriguing and can keep you entertained for hours.
On a beach at Laytown, County Meath, in Ireland, however, when the tide goes out on a particular day in September every year, organizers rush out to set up a horse racing track as quickly as they can. It is, in short, one of the most astonishing scenes you will ever see in professional sports which, unsurprisingly, is why it captures the world’s imagination. At least, this isn’t an event that is observed by only a handful of holidaymakers every year and if you bet on racing, you will see that it is one of the stand-out events of the entire season with special odds offered during the meet. Right, now, of course, the available odds online focus on the Cheltenham Festival as the Laytown Races have just concluded for the season. The good news for horse racing enthusiasts is that they are still able to capitalize on the special of Facile Vega to win any race at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival which is priced at evens.
Ordinarily, though, there would be pages of specials online for the Laytown Races that also include the latest horse race results which list all the winners from County Meath following the conclusion of the day's action from the east of Ireland.
Now, at this stage, you may be wondering why people choose to race on a beach and how it first started. Below, we’ll uncover all of that.
The origins of the Laytown Races
The first recorded race on this coast was in 1868 during the Boyne Regatta. In essence, the residents of County Meath would come down to this stretch of beach to watch a rowing competition take place. However, when the tide went out, the rowing would have to stop which is why they needed something to do in the interim to keep the crowds entertained. The idea of a horse race came up and ever since then, this particular competition has gone from strength to strength. It goes without saying but these days, it is anything but a sideshow with 5000 available tickets snapped up almost as soon as they go on sale such is the demand to see this event live.
Does horse racing on a beach make for a good spectacle?
The sight of horses running on a beach in Ireland is enough to make you fall in love with this competition. After all, you’re seeing the best jockeys and the fastest horses in the world compete on a makeshift track where only a stone’s throw away, the waves of the Irish Sea lap the shore. It is a phenomenon that is hard to get your head around but it should also be noted that it can be an event that leaves hearts in mouths.
Are the horses and jockeys in danger at the Laytown Races?
Tellingly, the most experienced jockeys have described it as a ‘nervy ride’ and you can understand why, given that the grass that they normally race on has been substituted for sand that was only minutes before, under the rough waters of the Irish Sea. Typically, one would imagine the sand to be soft and give way but the reality is that it is incredibly firm and has ridges running across the top of it. It should be stressed that if this wasn’t the case then the organizers, who put the welfare of the horses and jockeys at the top of their priority list, would not continue to stage the festival on this stretch of coastline. The event does have a remarkable safety record though which is why it attracts the global sponsors that it does as people can see that this festival is one that does not cut corners when it comes to the well-being of its participants.
So, if you’re ever in Ireland over the month of September and find yourself at a loose end, then head down to County Meath to witness the most unique horse racing event in history. It will be a spectacle that you never forget for as long as you live.